January 1, 2014

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Luke 2: 16-21

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

We Are Called to Bring God into the World

In today’s gospel we hear the familiar story of the shepherds visiting the newborn infant, Jesus. We are told, “Mary kept all she heard and saw, reflecting on them in her heart.”

Let’s spend a few minutes reflecting from Mary’s perspective:

It all seems so long ago and yet like yesterday, that joyous day when I was betrothed to Joseph. How happy and excited I was, as I imagined what our lives together would be like. Then came that frightening visit from the angel Gabriel. What would Joseph think and do, and how about my family and community? Despite the fear, risks and uncertainties, I knew in the depth of my heart that I desired to say yes to this invitation from God.

To my great relief, Joseph had his own visit from an angel. As if that were not enough, Zechariah was also visited by an angel and long barren Elizabeth became pregnant. And now, these shepherds tell us how an angel has told them about the berth of the Savior here in Bethlehem. How God has been active in my life! And now, gazing with immeasurable love upon my newborn son, God becomes Man and dwells among us!

We are all called to be Mary; hearing the word of God in our lives, saying yes to His loving invitation, and bringing God into the world and into the lives of all people. We live in that time when the Lord dwells among us! Happy New Year.

Prayer

The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary…

Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to your word.

Hail Mary…

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Hail Mary…

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

—The Angelus

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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.

January 1, 2014

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Luke 2: 16-21

So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

We Are Called to Bring God into the World

In today’s gospel we hear the familiar story of the shepherds visiting the newborn infant, Jesus. We are told, “Mary kept all she heard and saw, reflecting on them in her heart.”

Let’s spend a few minutes reflecting from Mary’s perspective:

It all seems so long ago and yet like yesterday, that joyous day when I was betrothed to Joseph. How happy and excited I was, as I imagined what our lives together would be like. Then came that frightening visit from the angel Gabriel. What would Joseph think and do, and how about my family and community? Despite the fear, risks and uncertainties, I knew in the depth of my heart that I desired to say yes to this invitation from God.

To my great relief, Joseph had his own visit from an angel. As if that were not enough, Zechariah was also visited by an angel and long barren Elizabeth became pregnant. And now, these shepherds tell us how an angel has told them about the berth of the Savior here in Bethlehem. How God has been active in my life! And now, gazing with immeasurable love upon my newborn son, God becomes Man and dwells among us!

We are all called to be Mary; hearing the word of God in our lives, saying yes to His loving invitation, and bringing God into the world and into the lives of all people. We live in that time when the Lord dwells among us! Happy New Year.